Thank You but thats REALLY not necessary

[bjf1998]

Hi all

I have had 2 experiences lately that make me feel as though when I say thanks, but its really not needed that people don't think I am serious or worry I am upset anyhow... let me give you the experience.

1. I was at Starbucks yesterday ordering myself a mocha and my SO (who was still at work so he needed it!) a drink as well. Apparently the cashier misheard me, or I mispoke, or whatever and when my Venti Skim Mocha came out it was in fact and *iced* drink though I had ordered a hot. Since there were other people around I didn't realize it was mine and kept waiting (5 minutes, max). When it was clear of other people they asked me what I was waiting for and I let them know, and they said the iced drink was mine.

So I took the iced mocha not caring all too much and the barista apoligized profusely but I laughed it off and let her know I'd never tried and iced and I might like it even more (and actually I do). However she wouldn't let it go and offered me a gift card (I said no thank you, its not a big deal REALLY). Well apparently she has slipped the gift card for a free drink in my pocket while I was fiddling with my drinks. I don't want to seem like a grumbly customer. I wasn't unhappy and definetly not upset. Come on, I got a drink mostly correct, who cares?


  I just started working at Starbucks, what the Barista did is SOP.  If you have to wait because the coffee is brewing or the drink is made wrong, you usually get a freebie.  It's one of the ways they try to keep the customer happy and coming back.

[sammycat]

this is your karmic reward for not being a jerk -- I have been upgraded on
planes and given special treatment like this before too -- I think that people
in service positions are so often treated badly that they like to be nice to
people who are not treating them badly

I think this sums things up really. 

On many occasions I have been given discounts and/or vouchers at Sizzlers and Hog's Breath Cafe restaurants (is that chain outside of Australia?) and I think it's simply because we were polite, friendly customers.   Though thinking about it now, it's probably kind of a sad state of affairs that doing something as simple as saying please and thank you and not letting our kids' run amok means that we stand out enough to warrant being rewarded for it.

[Lunadiana75]

Are most customers in this world so out of control and mean towards managements and even the smallest of infractions that this is just what is done?

Yes, yes...Yes.  Yes, yes and I might I add YES!!!  Most people will completely freak out over the smallest mistake and act like you just shot  their grandmother, when in reality you merely made a small mistake on their order.  Those people always get rewarded by management and it drives us retail workers crazy.  Occasionally, a sweet customer likes you comes along and retail employees really do enjoy seeing the nice ones get rewards for once.  Please, let them give you small gifts for being nice!  It really does make their day. 

[IslandMama]

I must be one of those nice, super-polite people too...although I think I'm just behaving as my mother taught me.  I've been comped meals or given vouchers for free meals, been upgraded on flights and given freebies in shops. 

Just last night my DH, 13 month old DD and I were at the pharmacy.  Apparently they'd had a huge amount of screaming, squealing kids in that afternoon (it's school holidays in Australia).  We were lined up at the counter and indicated to the cashier that a 6 year old was actually ahead of us in the line and then we organised my DHs prescription and waited for it.  Our DD smiled and waved at everyone, giggled when people gave her attention and blew a kiss to one of the cashiers who was dealing with a grumpy customer.  They actually gave her a teddy bear (and a gorgeous, cuddly one at that!) with the comment that she'd made their day.  I was so proud, especially when she said "Ta" as they gave her the bear and then she gave it a cuddle and said "Ahhhh" before waving goodbye to them.

[LuckyDucky]

*waves to the other Aussies in this thread - golly isn't it shaping up to be a sticky christmas?*

I think it's lovely when shoppers are rewarded for being nice.  The world is going to heck in a handbasket too fast and manners are becoming a thing of the past, so it's nice to draw attention to the polite, kind people who cross your path during the course of the day.

Having worked behind a cash register for 3 years, I always gave a little extra to the people who were nice to me and others. 

Just accept the freebies - you have made someone's day a little brighter...

[NOVA Lady]

Thank you for everyone's replies. I do thank the person and accept the upgrade/free thing/etc graciously. Though at first I do try the, Oh its OK I'm fine, really with a big smile.

I just don't want it to seem like I am sucking up TO try to get free stuff. I just act towards store clerks and service folks the way I wish people would treat me if I were doing their job. Plus in the grand scheme of life is one drink made slightly wrong or 2 minutes spent correcting a mistake that cost someone money they earned a big deal? Not to me. I save getting upset for the big stuff

[willow08]

I don't they were afraid of you getting your "Atilla" on or anything. It sounds like you were a sweet reasonable, POLITE person in dealing with situations that a lot people would have been snarky about. They just wanted to reward good customership. Enjoy your spoils.... for not being spoiled. 

[Nekolove]

I also think it's good kharma in the works.

I am also someone who tries to be nice and understanding to all service people, and have been rewarded on occassion. The best was when I was flying to London and had a layover in Chicago. My first flight was really late, and I had to run to the next gate with everyone else to try to make my connection. I missed it and waited in line so the airline people could reschedule me. Everyone else was yelling and making a huge hairy deal about it. I knew there was nothing I could do about it, and that they were going to do everything they could do get me to my destination, so I was sweet as pie to those ladies. They told me the next scheduled flight coach was already booked full, but I had been so nice that they were going to put me in first class so I could be comfortable and have a nice meal. I was totally taken aback! That was a fantastic upgrade for an overseas flight!

Of course, I'm not nice to get these perks, just nice because I too want to treat people how I would want to be treated. Take the perks and rejoice in the fact that you made those people's jobs easier.